Get up and running for Croudace's Festival 5k race

Taking place on Sunday, April 28 the popular event gives runners the opportunity to run through Festival Place shopping centre, in Basingstoke town centre.

An early bird 20 per cent discount offer is open to entrants who sign up before December 31, 2023.

Event organiser Destination Basingstoke and sponsors Croudace Homes and Festival Place will, for a third year, continue with an initiative to make the race more sustainable.

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Runners set off at the start of the 2023 Croudace Festival 5K, which was won by Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic club runner Rob Wood in a new course record time (Image: Destination Basingstoke)

Instead of giving away a free t-shirt with entry to the race, a tree will be planted for every runner – an initiative that will have a positive impact in terms of climate change action.

Managing director of Croudace Homes, Matthew Norris, said: “Croudace has a long-standing tradition of supporting the communities in which we operate, and our partnership with Destination Basingstoke is one of which we are extremely proud.

“We are delighted, therefore, to once again be the main sponsor of this exciting and popular race, which is open to people of all abilities and across a wide age range.

“As a responsible business committed to reducing our carbon emissions, we are particularly pleased to hear of the continued involvement of Trees Not Tees and the initiative to plant a tree for every runner who participates.”

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Centre director of Festival Place, Neil Churchill, said: “We are extremely proud to be supporting the Croudace Festival 5k event again.

"Our shopping centre has been at the heart of Basingstoke for more than 20 years, and we are keen to support our local community as much as we can. We look forward to welcoming runners and their families to the event.”

Chair of Destination Basingstoke, Jonathan Pender, said: “Thank you to headline sponsor Croudace Homes and to event sponsor Festival Place for their ongoing support which is key to making this popular and fun event happen.

"We hope people will make the most of the Early Bird offer, and look forward to seeing everyone on April 28.”

The race will start and finish in Festival Square, go through the shopping centre, out round Basing View and Eastrop Park, before returning to Festival Place.

Places are limited and the event often sells out, so runners, who must be aged 13 or above, are encouraged to enter soon.

More information on the event can be found at destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/festival5.